Our beginning…
In 1999, Richard and Susan Masin partnered with a church in the heart of Los Angeles to serve their surrounding population of children in foster and dependency care with a Royal Family Kids’ Camp. After two successful years as Director and Camp Nurse, respectively, Richard and Susan passed the role of Director to Deanna Wilcox. They then assumed the role of camp Grandma and Grandpa, a crucial role at camp. In the years since then, Deanna has wrapped her arms around these children and this camp, as well as the volunteers that have come into it, and truly made it a family.
Our belief…
We have learned through our experience of TEN YEARS OF CAMP, that the love, joy and freedom that we share with children who have suffered abuse and neglect, gives them hope for a brighter future. We also know that this hope allows them the power to break the cycles of abuse.
Our family…
Our camp is unique in many ways but the most valuable to us is that we have one counselor for every two children as well as one staff person. Having one adult for every child really makes our family strong. Every activity during camp happens with our whole family fully engaged in participation.
Our volunteers…
Our camp would not have the successes that it does without the many hours committed to training and team building by our volunteer staff. Every year each volunteer goes through a full training curriculum along with one-on-one mentoring by veteran volunteers and team building activities to bring the “family” feeling with us up the mountain.
Our activities…
Our camp is overflowing with activities to do all week long: from fishing at the lake, to canoeing, to kayaking, to Arts & Crafts, to the Drum Circle, to lizard catching, to the Talent Show, to Everybody’s Birthday Party, to learning how to put out a fire, to hiking, to song singing, to archery, to games on the outdoor field, volleyball in the sandpit, basketball and so much more. It’s a non-stop, energy-packed, joy-filled week!
Our impact…
Caregivers say… “My three have not stopped telling me of all they experienced and enjoyed. The oldest wishes he were younger than eleven so he could go again.”
“Camp was inspirational, the children came back with a sense of calmness about them. They enjoyed it a lot! I also thought the camp was organized very well from beginning to end. Thank you very much for a wonderful week.”
“Thank you for the amazing camp you gave the children. They can’t stop talking about it.”
Campers say… “I like catching lizards, seeing animals, swimming in the lake, the birthday party, chapel in the rocks, hiking, canoeing, the ‘peanut butter jelly song’, the food and hot chocolate, taking showers and nice beds for sleeping.”
“I love camp because of breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
“I like the camp cuz my counselor is fun and funny. All the people make me feel at home.”
Volunteers say… “Camp was probably the best week I had in the last eleven years.. Maybe longer!”
“The most rewarding part of camp is the children. Hands down. Seeing them everyday. Playing with them, laughing with them, learning with them. They are the only reason for camp to exist.”
Our FAQs from donors...
Q: What is the cost of camp per child?
A: The week at camp costs us $800 per child.
Q: What does this cost include?
A: The cost per child includes chartered transportation up and down the mountain, camp souvenirs, all sports and activities, and room, board, and facility use for the camp family.
Q: Where do the funds come from?
A: Every penny to host camp each year is generously given by families and individuals who share and believe in our vision. We are beyond grateful for those who give, for without them our camp program could not go on.
Q: What is the cost for each adult?
A: Their room and board is included in calculation of cost per child; our "family" policy mandates equal numbers of volunteers and campers.
Q: Where is the camp site?
A: We are blessed to have the exclusive use of a 270-acre campground with its private lake and lodge in Big Bear, California.
Q: Where do you find kids to come to camp?
A: The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in our area and many Social Workers help connect us to our children.
Q: What is the vision for Kids-Net LA?
A: Our goal is that by 2012 we will be able to support not only camp but also a Teen Camp for children who have graduated from our flagship program.
Our FAQs from Social Workers...
Q: How do I get registration materials?
A: Email us at kidsnetla@gmail.com with your name, telephone number and fax number OR mailing address. You can also call Executive Director Deanna Wilcox at 310.473.1336.
Q: What is the deadline for registration?
A: Registrations are accepted on a "first-come, first-served" basis! When all available camper slots are full, a wait list will be maintained (also in the order received) to fill any last minute vacancies that may occur.
Q: How much does camp cost?
A: The sole cost to caregivers is a registration reservation fee of $50.00 per child, payable to Kids-Net Los Angeles, Inc. Kids-Net LA’s annual fundraising from the private sector makes it possible to offer this fun-filled mountain experience to your children.
The story of the Starfish…
While walking on the beach one day, I saw a starfish by the shore. And everywhere I looked it seemed, I saw a thousand more. Then what to my surprise appeared? A boy of nine or ten. And as the starfish washed ashore, he threw them back again. "One starfish won't make a difference son; You can't change this situation." He stooped and picked up one more starfish, then looking right at me, "I can make a difference for this one, sir" and returned it to the sea. So I went and gathered all my friends, my brothers and my cousins. We joined in with that little boy and saved starfish by the dozens. There are still many to be rescued-many "starfish" on life's shore. And you can make a difference too...by saving just one more.
-C.C. Milbrandt
With your help, we are making a difference…one child at a time!
Kids-Net Los Angeles, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. Federal Taxpayer ID Number 42-1738569
Kids-Net LA, Inc.
P.O. Box 251722
Los Angeles, Ca
90025
Ph: 310.473.1336
Email: kidsnetla@gmail.com
